The decision has been made as the bike just doesn’t have enough takers in India.
While Kawasaki is enjoying the selling out of its first lot of India made ZX-10R superbike, it has simultaneously decided to discontinue its Versys 1000 model which is a sports touring motorcycle. The reason for this has been given that there wasn’t enough demand for this bike.
The Kawasaki Versys 1000 was priced at Rs. 12.91 lakhs (ex-showroom). It is powered by a 1043cc, in-line four cylinder engine that produces 118.3 HP at 9000 RPM and a peak torque of 102 Nm at 7500 RPM. Fuel-capacity is of 21-litres and the kerb weight is 250 kgs.
Though the Kawasaki Versys 1000 has a high riding stance and gets adventure bike like styling cues, it is more of a sports touring motorcycle than an off-roader. The high stance also prevents it from being suitable for short riders. There is a high positioned screen at the front to tackle the windblast. Features include two power modes, Kawasaki Traction Control system (KTRC) and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Not really the best feature list compared to the competition.
Even though a rising number of Indians are putting their money on sports touring motorcycles, the Kawasaki Versys 1000 just didn’t have enough going for it. The bike was sold as a completely built unit (CBU) which was also the reason why it was priced similar to the much more powerful Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.
A better and refreshed version of the Kawasaki Versys 1000 might come to India but that will purely depend on the demand. Meanwhile, if you are in the market for a sports touring motorcycle, then you can take a look at the BMW R 1200 GS, Ducati Multistrada 950, Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx and the Honda Africa Twin.
Kawasaki Versys 1000 Discontinued
– The sports touring motorcycle had a lack of demand
– It was priced at Rs. 12.91 lakhs (ex-showroom)
– Bringing the refreshed version to India will be purely based on the demand
